Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein believes the Gunners are no longer certain to qualify for the Champions League as in the past. "When I left (in 2007) I said it was only because I could see what was on the horizon," he told Radio Five's Sportsweek programme.

"I said it was in danger of slipping and I think that's what is happening at the moment and it has to be contained.

"This season is one of the most delicate in that they are fighting for their Champions League place.

"The first goal is to get that Champions League place. Five points behind Aston Villa is a mini-mountain to climb but there is talent there and there is resolve. They can do it."

When pressed about his own future plans he said: "I'm there for every home game, I still see the boys playing and still get a tremendous feeling of entertainment because I still feel part of it.

"I'm an Arsenal fan through and through. I've been offered many glamorous opportunities with other clubs but I'm not looking for a 24/7, 365-days-a year job and Arsenal is my only club."

Dein believes boss Arsene Wenger would be an almost impossible figure to replace.

"I call him the miracle worker," said Dein.

"He does it year-in, year-out and for 12 years we've been in the Champions League every year. That's not easy and it's getting harder.

"He does get stressed but you don't see it. He conceals it brilliantly. His external persona is calm, collected, pensive. He's such a professional.

"I think only he can say when he feels he's had enough of putting on a tracksuit and a stopwatch in the morning.

"The easiest thing to do is to get rid of someone. The clever thing is to find someone better. He would certainly be a hard act to follow."